It’s been 43 years since the Vietnam War ended.

The wounds the men suffered because of the war still run deep.

For many, the stories of what they lived through while serving this country remain untold because the pain is still too fresh, but they have used their experiences to drive them to work to better their communities.

Ten years ago, a group of 13 Vietnam veterans created the Vietnam Veterans of Carbon County as a way to honor those who earned the Vietnam service medal, served honorably or gave their life during the war; as well as create lasting friendships and a place for these men to share stories with others who experienced the same things.

Recently, the members of the Vietnam Veterans of Carbon County gathered at the Nesquehoning VFW to celebrate the club’s 10th anniversary.

Harry J. Wynn III welcomed everyone to the service.

“I think 10 years is a benchmark for us,” he said before reading the history of the club.

The organization began on Oct. 13, 2008 at the Lehighton American Legion Post 314 with 13 members present. They included Wynn, Floyd C. Brown, Wayne Wentz, Fred Schaffer, Charles Weber, the late John Kriel, Vaughn Fisher, Richard Weaver, Steve Vlossak, Paul Koch, Frank Strouse, the late Robert Solt and James Bennek.

Since then, the group grew to 121 members, with a current membership of 108.

Commander Robert Paul said it has been a wonderful group to belong to and thanked everyone for making the group as successful as it has been.

Former past commander Jay Barry said he believed Vietnam veterans have helped change people’s minds when it comes to veterans.

“One of the things I am most proud of is Vietnam veterans ... despite the way we were treated, stood tall and we stood tall for years and years and years and we convinced the American people that when soldiers and airman and sailors and marines go away to war, they don’t have a political agenda or personal agenda. They have an agenda to support the Constitution of the United States and that’s what we all did. We were a big part of convincing people that when they come home they should be welcomed home with open arms.

“We held our heads high and didn’t relent. We didn’t allow them to mitigate our service efforts, mitigate our service because the war was unpopular at the time. The pride that I have for each and every one of you and everyone who served during Vietnam is very heart felt.”

The group also recognized the members who passed away since the group began and honored the 14 men from Carbon County who were killed during the Vietnam War.